Get ready to meet your new favorite veggie side: Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots. These vibrant, sweet, buttery carrots strike the perfect balance between comfort food nostalgia and restaurant-worthy flavor. They’re silky, glossy, and absolutely irresistible—easy enough for hectic weeknights, but impressive enough to earn a spot at the holiday table. In only 20 minutes, you’ll have a colorful bowl of natural sweetness with a beautiful caramelized glaze and melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you’re looking for a dish that’ll have everyone sneaking seconds, this is it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing what a handful of everyday staples can do in this recipe. Each ingredient brings something special to the table—from rich sweetness to savory depth and irresistible shine—making these Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots simply unforgettable.
- Carrots: The star of the show, carrots add bold color, garden-fresh flavor, and just the right touch of sweetness when cooked until tender.
- Brown Sugar: For caramel notes and that crave-worthy sticky glaze, brown sugar is essential—dark or light, both work beautifully here.
- Butter: Adds richness and gives the glaze its signature silky texture that hugs every slice of carrot.
- Salt: Just a pinch is all it takes to enhance the sweetness and bring all the flavors together.
- Water: Gently steams the carrots and helps the glaze come together before reducing into a luscious sauce.
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Step 1: Prep and Slice the Carrots
Begin by washing and peeling your carrots, then slice them into uniform 1/2-inch thick rounds. Keeping the pieces the same size means your Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots will cook evenly and make for an attractive, satisfying bite. If you’re using baby carrots, you can leave them whole for added charm.
Step 2: Simmer the Carrots
Transfer the sliced carrots into a large skillet and pour in the water. Cover the pan and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat. This gentle steam bath softens the carrots, turning them tender but not mushy—about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a fork slides in easily.
Step 3: Drain and Glaze
Once the carrots are just tender, carefully drain off any excess water right there in the skillet. It’s time for the magic! Return the pan to the burner and add the brown sugar, butter, and salt directly to the carrots. Stir to coat every slice—watch as the butter melts and the brown sugar begins forming that irresistible glaze.
Step 4: Thicken and Serve
Keep the skillet over medium heat and continue stirring gently for about 4 to 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken into a glossy glaze that clings to the carrots perfectly, filling your kitchen with a heavenly aroma. Once the Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are gorgeously coated and shiny, scoop them into a serving bowl and enjoy while they’re warm.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way when serving Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots. Try a shower of fresh chopped parsley for color, a sprinkle of crunchy toasted pecans, or a hint of orange zest to highlight their natural sweetness. Even a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving can make those flavors pop.
Side Dishes
These carrots play well with almost anything—think classic roasted chicken, a juicy pork tenderloin, or even a holiday ham. They also round out vegetarian meals, pairing beautifully alongside quinoa pilaf, mashed potatoes, or a big hearty grain salad. Their sweetness brings out the best in savory mains and simple proteins.
Creative Ways to Present
To really show off Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots, serve them on a wide platter for family-style dining, or layer them in individual ramekins for an elegant touch. Want to make things festive? Skewer the carrot coins on bamboo picks for a fun finger-food twist, or toss in rainbow carrots for a colorful presentation that dazzles both eyes and taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots, tuck them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. They’ll keep their flavor and texture so you can enjoy them again for lunch, dinner, or even a snack straight from the fridge.
Freezing
You can freeze these glazed carrots for longer storage—simply let them cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’re best enjoyed within 2 months for optimal flavor and tenderness. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To warm up leftover Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots, simply reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the glaze has thickened too much. You can also microwave them in short bursts, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through. They’ll taste just as sweet and buttery as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?
Absolutely! Baby carrots are a great shortcut and work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust simmering time as they might cook a touch faster, but they absorb the glaze and look extra cute on the table.
Is it possible to make Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for a vegan alternative or use coconut oil for a different flavor profile. The glaze will still become rich and shiny, making them just as crave-worthy.
Should I use light or dark brown sugar?
Either works! Light brown sugar gives a mild caramel flavor, while dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses note. It comes down to your preference, so feel free to experiment with both.
Can I add spices for extra flavor?
Definitely! Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a touch of ground ginger are delicious in Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots and add a cozy, seasonal twist. Just a pinch goes a long way.
What can I do if my glaze is too thin?
If your glaze is on the thinner side, simply cook the carrots uncovered for a few extra minutes. The liquid will reduce and the glaze will thicken to the perfect consistency, coating every carrot beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots—they’re quick, cheerful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give them a spot at your next meal and watch how fast they disappear. I hope this recipe brings warmth and a touch of sweetness to your table, just as it has to mine. Happy cooking!
Print
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a delightful side dish that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of carrots with a rich caramelized glaze. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, these glazed carrots will be a hit at any meal.
Ingredients
Carrots:
- 2 lbs Carrots, washed and peeled
Glaze:
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Butter
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1 ½ cup Water
Instructions
- Slice the Carrots: Slice the carrots into 1/2″ thick slices and place them in a large skillet.
- Simmer Carrots: Add water to the skillet, cover, and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Cook Carrots: Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until carrots are tender. Drain excess water.
- Make Glaze: Stir in brown sugar, butter, and salt. Cook for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 199
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 367mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
